Celebrating Faith, Learning and Mission at 2025 Education Mass

Students, parents and carers, educators and clergy from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered in a spirit of unity and celebration for the 2025 Education Mass on Wednesday 27 August.

The annual gathering is an opportunity for schools to affirm their shared role in the Church’s mission and recognise the impact of Catholic education in living out Faith in Action and serving the wider community.

The Mass, held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, coincided with the Feast of St Monica and was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. In his Homily, Bishop Vincent offered a powerful reflection on the mission of Catholic schools, emphasising their focus on community, compassion and shared purpose.

“This is the essence of Catholic education. It is not merely about the pursuit of individual success and achievement. It is about the formation of a social conscience and public responsibility,” Bishop Vincent said.

“We offer an education that forms young people into men and women committed to the common good, social equity as opposed to individualism and self-interest.”

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Head of Primary Learning Lisa Crampton also addressed those gathered for the Mass and announced CSPD’s new Effective Learning and Teaching Model, marking a new chapter in the approach to learning and teaching across the Diocese..

“Learning should form us, inform us and transform us,” said Lisa. “Learning in our Catholic schools is about growing as whole people: with our heads for knowledge, our hearts for compassion and our hands for action.”

“We want students to be curious and creative thinkers, kind and generous friends, and people who can use their gifts to make the world a better place.”

Following the Mass, attendees were invited to explore the Mission Expo, a dynamic display of how faith is actively lived within Catholic school communities. The expo showcased the many ways students and staff engage in advocacy and service, highlighting their involvement with Church organisations such as Mercy Works, St Vincent de Paul and Jesuit Refugee Services.

Schools had the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas for mission initiatives and deepen their commitment to living out faith in action within their communities.

“As Catholics, we are called more than ever to listen, discern and act with Christian wisdom, integrity and truth,” said Bishop Vincent. “It is more important than ever that we do not lose sight of our mission, which is a vehicle of God’s all-embracing love for the world.”

“Today is about giving thanks,” said Lisa. “Thanks for our schools, thanks for our families, and thanks for the gift of learning that helps us grow into the people God calls us to be.”